Highlights from Day Two of SMACC: Exploring Leadership, Fear, and Compassion in Healthcare
Introduction
Welcome to the St. Emlyn's blog! We're Simon Carley and Natalie May, reporting from day two of the SMACC conference in Dublin. This day has been filled with engaging sessions, challenging ideas, and invaluable insights into various aspects of healthcare. From leadership and patient management to emotional resilience and compassion, the sessions have offered a deep dive into the complexities and challenges faced by healthcare professionals.
Ristola Ristup on Leadership and Gender Norms
The day started with Ristola Ristup's powerful plenary session on leadership. Ristup emphasized that leadership is a universal skill that transcends gender. She discussed the importance of both leadership and followership, stressing that everyone in healthcare needs to develop these skills. Her talk also highlighted the significance of mindful communication, noting that even brief comments can have a profound impact on others.
Ristup's insights into gender norms were particularly compelling. She argued that leadership should not be seen as a trait tied to gender but rather as a capability that everyone can and should cultivate. The discussion also covered the importance of creating a supportive environment where mentoring and sponsoring are integral parts of professional development.
Ross Fischer: Facing Fear in Medicine
Ross Fischer followed with a gripping talk on the fears that medical professionals face. He addressed the common anxieties that arise in healthcare, such as the fear of making mistakes and the emotional burden of patient outcomes. Fischer's storytelling was powerful, evoking a strong emotional response from the audience. He encouraged healthcare workers to confront their fears and use them as a source of strength and resilience.
Fischer suggested that his talk be viewed in a quiet setting to allow for personal reflection. His message emphasized that acknowledging fear is not a weakness but a vital step toward personal and professional growth. This session was a reminder that vulnerability is a natural part of the healthcare experience and that facing it can lead to greater compassion and understanding.
Ruben's Dre: Cultural Differences in Managing Agitated Patients
Ruben's Dre's session on managing agitated patients highlighted significant cultural differences in medical practice, particularly between the US and the UK. He discussed the use of physical restraints, a common practice in the US but rare in the UK. Dre's presentation was both humorous and insightful, challenging attendees to reconsider their practices and remain open to different approaches.
This session underscored the importance of cultural competence in healthcare. Dre emphasized the need to critically evaluate our practices and consider evidence-based alternatives. The discussion provided a valuable perspective on how different healthcare systems approach patient management, highlighting the importance of being adaptable and open-minded.
Liz Crow: The Power of Love and Compassion in Healthcare
Liz Crow delivered one of the most moving talks of the day, focusing on the role of love and compassion in healthcare. Crow argued that these "soft" skills are essential for effective patient care. She shared personal experiences from her work in pediatric ICU, emphasizing that empathy and compassion significantly impact patient outcomes.
Crow challenged the audience to consider how often they bring love and empathy into their professional roles. She noted that while healthcare providers may not frequently discuss these emotions, they are fundamental to the patient experience. Her talk highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of healthcare: the emotional and empathetic connection between providers and patients.
Concurrent Sessions: Diverse Topics and Key Insights
The afternoon offered a variety of sessions covering critical care, anesthetics, burnout, and more. Key topics included the risks associated with procedures in confined spaces, with a strong recommendation to avoid them whenever possible. This practical advice emphasized the importance of safety and preparedness in emergency situations.
Sueman Bizwaz's presentation blended humor with educational insights, reminding attendees of the value of engaging, entertaining education. Christina Henren's talk on the Boston attack response provided a sobering look at crisis management, while Mike Ebeneffi discussed the unique challenges of farm-related trauma in rural healthcare settings.
Bare-Knuckle Debates: A Showcase of Expertise
The bare-knuckle debates brought together experts to discuss controversial topics in emergency medicine. Simon Carley and Ryan Radecki highlighted recent research, while Carley and Scott Wein debated the "Fail Paradigm" in medicine. The debates were thought-provoking, exploring different perspectives on what constitutes failure and how it should be addressed.
Maxwell Wein and Chris Fox discussed the growing role of ultrasound in medical practice, debating its benefits and limitations. The final debate on thrombolyzing submassive PE featured compelling arguments from both sides, illustrating the complexities of clinical decision-making.
SMACC Ultrasonic: Fun and Learning Combined
The day concluded with the SMACC Ultrasonic, a fun and educational competition involving teams from Europe, Australia, and the USA. This event showcased the use of ultrasound in various clinical scenarios, providing a mix of competition and practical learning. The highlight was a playful demonstration involving an ultrasound and a leprechaun, emphasizing the innovative ways ultrasound can be taught.
Looking Ahead: SMACC 2024 in Berlin
The day ended with the exciting announcement that SMACC 2024 will be held in Berlin. The conference will take place in a unique venue with a round setup, promising a fresh and engaging experience. This setting is expected to inspire creativity and innovative presentations, continuing SMACC’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of medical education.
A Day of Insight and Reflection
Day two of SMACC was a rich exploration of the many facets of healthcare, from leadership and fear to the practicalities of patient management and the role of compassion. The sessions provided valuable insights and challenged attendees to think critically about their practices. As we look forward to the rest of the conference and the event in Berlin, we are reminded of the importance of continuous learning and empathy in our professional lives.
We hope you found this recap insightful and inspiring. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. Until next time, keep learning, keep caring, and stay inspired.
